The Brown & White

Losing your job often brings on feelings such as anger, resentment and worry ? feelings that are increasingly more common as the economy shrinks. Yet it is important to avoid becoming overwhelmed by these feelings, panelists in a discussion about job loss said at Bethlehem Brew Works Tuesday night.

"We're not responsible for the economy, but we are responsible for how we present and care for ourselves," said Eleanor Bobrow, a licensed social worker and family counselor who was one of the four panelists.

She suggested letting out these feelings through physical activity or creating and destroying angry letters or paintings.

Dave Oleska, senior career management consultant of Right Management, said he works with people who have recently lost their jobs. He said the first mistake many people make when they lose their job is panicking and moving too quickly to find a new one.

"Sit back a little and do a bit of soul-searching, introspection," Oleska said.

If someone is forced out of a good job, he or she should see it as an opportunity to find a "great" new position, said Paul Pierpoint, vice president of community education at Northampton Community College.

Pierpoint said people should explore all of their options and try to find a job that they truly love.

All of the panelists emphasized the importance of networking.

Oleska said 60-70 percent of jobs are found through networking, so he recommends clients write down 300 people who could potentially help them find a job, such as family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

"You are not joining a real exclusive club," Oleska said, so people shouldn't feel ashamed to ask others for help finding a job.

Posting a resumé on a social networking site, such as Facebook, isn't recommended, but networking on social networking sites is recommended, said Lynda Hoover, business and industry relations representative of PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley.

Oleska agreed with Hoover, but warned job seekers to be careful about embarrassing or harmful things about them on the Internet. Oleska suggested people Google themselves to see what potential employers might find about them on the internet.

The panel also discussed the importance of a strong resumé. Hoover said people should tailor their resumés to each job they apply to by emphasizing relevant skills and experience.

Oleska said this can be as simple as moving bullet points around to highlight areas that they want prospective employers to notice.

The discussion was part of the "Pints & Policy" series sponsored by Brew Works and WDIY 88.1 radio station.

The next "Pints & Policy" night will be held on April 14 at 6 p.m. The panel will discuss how the arts contribute to quality of life in the Lehigh Valley. The event is free and open to the public.